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4-H Ag Career Day brings kids to U of M St. Paul campus

February 15, 2016

University of Minnesota Extension's 4-H Science of Agriculture team hosted 125 youth at the “4-H Explore Ag Career Day” on the University’s St. Paul campus on Feb. 15.

The mission was to help youth explore higher education, and provide information and resources that support agriculture-related career goals. Reporter Taya Banjac covered the story in U debuts agricultural career day in the Minnesota Daily.

Bev Durgan, Extension dean, opened the day by welcoming the 4-H’ers to campus, and encouraging their commitment to exploring higher education and career paths in agriculture. The day included a panel discussion with agriculture professionals, who shared their higher education and career stories; activities to explore ag careers, financial resources and support; campus tours and a session with current University students to learn about campus life; and a college fair.

"I enjoyed meeting our 4-H’ers, and seeing their enthusiasm about their future education," says Dorothy McCargo Freeman, Extension associate dean for youth development. "The career day was a great success, and provided a rich and meaningful experience for our young people, many of whom had never been to the University before."

Thank you to Dr. Amy Smith (U of M College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences), Evan Van Beusekom (Jennie-O) , Grace Libenstein (Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture), Charlie Tank (All American Co-op), Steve Anderson (Vinco, Inc.), Katie Donnelly (AgStar), Wayne Anderson (Minnesota Pollution Control), and Sarah Dornink (Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council) for participating and sharing their expertise, experiences and advice with 4-H’ers. Thanks to South Dakota State University; North Dakota State University; Southwest Minnesota State University; University of Wisconsin-River Falls; Iowa State; Minnesota State University, Mankato; Inver Hills Community College; and University of Minnesota representatives for participating in the college fair.